Westside Digest

Santa Monica : Parks May Soon Allow Dogs

The Santa Monica City Council on Tuesday took the first step toward allowing dogs in some city parks.

The council voted unanimously to ask the city attorney to draw up a measure that would permit leashed dogs in most parks. In addition, two parks--Josyln and Marine--have been suggested as sites where unleashed dogs may be permitted to run.

It is now illegal in Santa Monica to have dogs in parks, even if leashed.

The proposed change in the law would be for a six-month trial period. A public hearing on the issue has been set for Oct. 5.

A group called Santa Monica Dog is pushing for access for their pets, saying the presence of dogs in the parks would be a crime deterrent.

The group is also proposing heavy fines for dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.

Councilman Paul Rosenstein, who proposed the law, said it may bring back people who shun the parks because of safety concerns.